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June 18, 2018 — NVTC was a lead advocate this session for the creation of a Chief Data Officer (CDO) within Virginia's executive branch to advance open data in Virginia and coordinate and oversee the effective sharing of data among state, regional, and local public entities and public institutions of higher education. Gov. Northam announced his support for the creation of the position and NVTC worked throughout session with the Governor's office and legislative leaders to provide statutory and budgetary support to launch the position.

The legislation creates the position of Chief Data Officer, housed in the office of the Secretary of Administration, to (i) develop guidelines regarding data usage, storage, and privacy and (ii) coordinate and oversee data sharing in the Commonwealth to promote the usage of data in improving the delivery of services. The legislation also creates an advisory committee to work with the CDO in the initial establishment of guidelines and best practices and to make recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly regarding a permanent data governance structure.

Gov. Northam held a bill signing ceremony on June 18 following passage in the General Assembly earlier this year.

For more information on the Chief Data Officer (CDO) position, please see NVTC’s 2018 General Assembly Session Wrap-up here.

NVTC Vice President of Public Policy Josh Levi (left, back row) and Oath Vice Presdient and Deputy General Counsel and NVTC TechPAC Chair Jeff Novak (2nd from left, back row) attended a bill signing ceremony on June 18 for legislation creating Chief Data Officer in Virginia.

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